Clovelly is Apicturesque fishing village found in the Torridge district of Devon (Image: Getty)
A picturesque fishing village found in the Torridge district of offers stunning views with a peaceful tranquility felt throughout.
This little village is built into a cleft in a cliff that’s been made famous thanks to its donkeys, who traditionally carried goods up the steep hills with large sledges to bring the goods down.
A visit to this stunning and quaint spot will provide sites of endless wooded sea cliffs found along its picturesque cobbled main streets.
You will find no vehicular traffic in this other wordly region with ancient architecture and an old school fishing harbour, it truly is a step back in time.
This Devon gem holds not only royal ties but has many literary connections too and with its village charm and stunning coastal vibes, it certainly deserves a spot on your next British break list.
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This picturesque village clings to a 400 foot cliff with cobbled streets (Image: Getty)
Clovelly may require an entrance fee payment to enter but once you’ve arrived you’ll find yourself surrounded in a maritime atmosphere that was once owned by the Queen of England.
The Hon. John Rous, who belongs to the Hamlyn family, is the current owner of Clovelly.
The Cary family owned the estate for over 600 years which was bought by Zachary Hamlyn, a lawyer from Lincolns Inn who bought it from the Cray’s in 1738.
John Rous inherited the estate from his mother in 1983, becoming the first male custodian in 120 years.
The region of Clovely was completely unknown to the outside world until the 1855 historical novel, Westward Ho! put the region on the map with British author Charles Kingsley, which began attracting visitors.
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A cornucopia of cobbled streets and window box flowers greet you along the way (Image: Getty)
The estate of Clovely was owned by William the Conqueror, King of England, who then gifted it to his wife.
Since then, the charming region has had many royal associations being acquired by the aristocratic Giffard family in 1242.
The once bustling fishing port takes a nod from its past and is still very much part of its village life.
There’s plenty to do and see on this privately owned harbour village including coastal walks, a spot of fishing or even crabbing and visits to its popular sites such as Tamar Lakes, Clovelly Quay, All Saints Church, Mount Pleasant or Clovelly Donkeys.
Lovers of a good stroll will be in luck with its traffic-free roadway passing along flower-strewn cottages, ending at the historic harbour, but not all are recommended to walk along.
“The village is stunning, not recommended for people with pushchairs, wheelchairs or walking problems though,” wrote one TripAdvisor review.
“Lovely wobbly streets, nice harbour and little beach, nice cafe to visit or a little selection of pubs.”
Another described the region as “magical” adding: “Visited on a sunny Autumn day amidst the falling leaves and visited the tiny well presented fishermans cottage.
“Spent time sitting at the harbour watching the sea and got the land rover back up the hill. Gorgeous array of architecture in the village and fabulous views.”